Kara's recent interview with Voraka Magazine
Kara Zajac
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VORAKA INTERVIEW
Exclusive Interview with Author Kara Zajac
What inspired you to write The Significance of Curly Hair,
and how did the process of creating this memoir impact
you personally?
I was the age my daughter is now: young, cocky, and sure I
had all the answers. Gram, lacing her running shoes, asked,
“Would you ever write a story about me?” I scoffed, “But
you’ve never done anything.” Her smile faded. I didn’t realize
then how much my words hurt, something I’d regret forever.
At fourteen, I saw Gram as just a housewife. I didn’t know she
survived an abusive marriage, five kids in six years, and her
husband’s early death, leaving her penniless. She had a
breakdown but came back stronger, vowing never to let stress
consume her again.
Determined to live differently, I moved to Atlanta, earned my
doctorate, and built my career. When I got the call she had
fallen, guilt overwhelmed me. I flew to Boston, but I was too
late. Over the phone, I told her I was finally writing her story.
Her life mattered. Her strength shaped us. Mom said her heart
rate jumped, proof she heard me. Gram feared being
forgotten, but I won’t let that happen.
How do your professional experiences as a chiropractor
and wellness expert influence your writing?
As a chiropractor, I help the body heal naturally but I couldn’t
save my grandmother. The grief and guilt were overwhelming.
Writing became my way to process emotions I didn’t realize I
had. Good storytelling heals both the writer and the reader.
Writing Gram’s story kept her with me and helped me move
through my grief. It allowed me to heal from the inside out.
How do you manage to balance your roles as a writer,
chiropractor, musician, and mother while maintaining
your creative pursuits?
I have to block out my time to give each area enough space.
The key is balance. Fortunately, the artist side uses the
creative side of my brain while being a chiropractor uses the
scientific side. It’s a great balance. As for marriage and
children, there have been many times I’ve been holed up
writing, trying to meet a deadline and I get a knock on the
door, “How many more minutes until you finish that chapter?”
Any artist knows you can’t put a timeline on creativity!
What do the recognition and multiple awards for The
Significance of Curly Hair mean to you as a debut
author?
There is nothing more rewarding than hearing how my story
has impacted someone's life. I believe storytelling helps us
process our own experiences because, deep down, our
emotions are more alike than we realize. Seeing Gram’s story
reach more people through awards means the world to me, it
keeps her memory alive. As a writer, that’s the greatest honor
I could ask for.
What key messages or lessons do you hope readers will
take away from your memoir?
A person’s memory, and the lessons they taught us, continue
long after their death. Writing this memoir showed me the
power of family values and traditions. Through my daughter,
Gram’s love and strength will continue to shine. Life is a gift,
and sharing it keeps us connected.
Can you share more about your upcoming book, The
Special Recipe for Making Babies, and the inspiration
behind it?
At the end of The Significance of Curly Hair, Kim and I chose
to honor Gram by having a child and raising them with her
values. My upcoming book, The Special Recipe for Making
Babies, shares our unconventional journey to parenthood
bypassing sperm banks for a more personal approach, from
quirky offers to unexpected twists, until we find our perfect
recipe.
How did sharing an excerpt of your memoir in Stigma
Fighters shape your perspective on mental health
advocacy?
For many years I believe people kept to themselves about
mental health, either hiding it or not discussing it at all. Gram
never spoke about her breakdown, we knew it happened but
not its impact. I’m proud her story was shared in Stigma
Fighters, giving mental health a voice and fostering
compassion, understanding, and strength.
How have your experiences with the Creative Writing
Workshop and the National Writers Union impacted your
growth as a writer?
I always suggest writers join critique groups. Hearing other
people’s opinions on how a piece can be improved helps the
writer see the story from a different perspective. Not only does
it make you a better writer, but it gives your work more
strength and credibility.
What role does humor play in your writing, especially
when addressing serious or emotional topics?
I often write about subjects that are uncomfortable to discuss.
Adding humor while addressing difficult topics can make
heavy subjects a little lighter. This can keep the reader more
present and engaged, instead of becoming emotionally
withdrawn and possibly even skipping over a subject because
it brings up unwanted feelings and/or memories.
What advice would you offer to aspiring authors who
want to share their personal stories with the world?
Don’t be afraid of what others say. It’s your story from your
perspective. Somebody always needs to hear what you have
to say and most of the time you have no idea how deeply your
story is resonating with someone else. I am passionate about
memoirs because real stories matter. Why should we have to
change our truths to please Hollywood or the publishing
industry? Go ahead, have no fear, get your stories out there.
Your words could change someone’s life.
VORAKA MAGAZINE
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Kara Zajac
The Significance of Having Curly Hair
Kara Zajac is a writer, chiropractor, mother, wife, & musician. She earned her B.S. from SUNY and Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Life Chiropractic College. Kara maintains a practice in Dawsonville, GA, where she helps people revitalize their lives naturally with chiropractic and Braincore Neurofeedback. Kara is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist who currently plays drums with The Jessie Albright Band. Kara’s blog has been included in Top Mommy Bloggers and her work has been in Imperfect Life Magazine, Ripped Jeans and Bifocals, and Just BE Parenting. Her bibliography includes: The Significance of Curly Hair, The Special Recipe for Making Babies, and her current novel, The Waiting is the Hardest Part. An excerpt from The Significance of Curly Hair was published in Stigma Fighters, a magazine supporting people battling mental illness. 3 chaps. of The Significance of Curly Hair were published in 2/20 edition of the Scarlet Leaf Review. An excerpt from The Special Recipe for Making Babies was a finalist in 2022’s Charlotte Lit/Lit South Award for Nonfiction. Kara resides in the North Georgia Mountains with her wife, Kim, and daughter, Senia Mae.
More ______ inspirations
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This Christmas, I'm missing being Santa's helper, putting together toys on Christmas Eve. But I've learned that when people read my book, they've felt my story, creating a connection that's just as meaningful.
I'll be signing books and talking about the process Saturday 11/9 and Sunday 11/10